The 2024 SXSW Film Festival kicked off March 8 in Austin with the opening-night world premiere screening of Doug Liman’s Road House remake starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Conor McGregor. It started nine days of debuts including for movies starring Rooney Mara, Isabelle Huppert, Gael García Bernal, Kristen Stewart and more. The Anne Hathaway romantic dramedy The Idea of You from SXSW stalwart Michael Showalter closed the fest on Saturday.
Keep checking back below as Deadline reviews the best and buzziest movies of the festival. Click on the titles to read the full reviews.
3 Body Problem ‘3 Body Problem’
Section: TV Premiere
Director: Derek Tsang
Cast: Jovan Adepo, John Bradley, Rosalind Chao, Liam Cunningham, Eiza González, Jess Hong, Marlo Kelly, Alex Sharp, Sea Shimooka, Zine Tseng, Saamer Usmani, Benedict Wong, Jonathan Pryce
Deadline’s takeaway: 3 Body Problem’s biggest existential threats are just how redundant it all seems, and how every...
Keep checking back below as Deadline reviews the best and buzziest movies of the festival. Click on the titles to read the full reviews.
3 Body Problem ‘3 Body Problem’
Section: TV Premiere
Director: Derek Tsang
Cast: Jovan Adepo, John Bradley, Rosalind Chao, Liam Cunningham, Eiza González, Jess Hong, Marlo Kelly, Alex Sharp, Sea Shimooka, Zine Tseng, Saamer Usmani, Benedict Wong, Jonathan Pryce
Deadline’s takeaway: 3 Body Problem’s biggest existential threats are just how redundant it all seems, and how every...
- 3/17/2024
- by Valerie Complex, Damon Wise and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
For the most recent precedent for Grand Theft Hamlet, you’d probably have to go back nearly 20 years, to a 2006 episode of South Park. Titled “Make Love, Not Warcraft,” it found Cartman marshaling his friends to take on a super-advanced rogue player with a posse of killer crabs who has taken to killing everyone in his path in the Tolkienesque greenfields of Azeroth. This virtual psychopath sends shivers down the spines of the programmers at WoW’s corporate HQ.
After Sam Crane and Pinny Grylls’ documentary debuted earlier this week at SXSW, however, it is only a matter of time before directors see the multitude of possibilities to be mined from the gaming world, not least because the technical advances made in recent years mean that even the most basic console games can blow up to fill a cinema-size screen quite comfortably.
After Sam Crane and Pinny Grylls’ documentary debuted earlier this week at SXSW, however, it is only a matter of time before directors see the multitude of possibilities to be mined from the gaming world, not least because the technical advances made in recent years mean that even the most basic console games can blow up to fill a cinema-size screen quite comfortably.
- 3/12/2024
- by Damon Wise
- Deadline Film + TV
To be or not to be. That was the question facing so many artists at the height of the Covid pandemic (let’s call it January 2021), when the crisis seemed as if it might continue forever, and the absence of an audience threatened to chip away at the creative spirit itself. Suddenly unemployed and unable to support his family after landing the biggest role of his life (the titular wizard in the London production of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”), British actor Sam Crane couldn’t help but wonder — to quote a certain Danish prince — “whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing end them.” Crane may not have shared Hamlet’s attraction to suicide, but he certainly entertained the idea of laying his career to rest before he was...
- 3/11/2024
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
“To be or not to be” remains the question in “Grand Theft Hamlet,” but it takes on a whole new dimension in Sam Crane and Pinny Grylls’ endearing and provocative chronicle of a production of Shakespeare that takes place entirely in the world of “Grand Theft Auto.” The soul-searching of a tortured prince has resonated for generations, but even those who might not want to bother with Elizabethan-era English these days are allowed to see its relevance in a time of self-curated online identity through the unconventional doc.
Crane and his fellow actor buddy Mark Oosterveen hardly had such lofty aims when they signed up for the cathartic violence of “GTA,” out of work and bored during the third Covid lockdown in England in 2020. The two aren’t experienced players of the game, but having been players in acting ensembles, they naturally gravitate toward an empty outdoor amphitheater. After a...
Crane and his fellow actor buddy Mark Oosterveen hardly had such lofty aims when they signed up for the cathartic violence of “GTA,” out of work and bored during the third Covid lockdown in England in 2020. The two aren’t experienced players of the game, but having been players in acting ensembles, they naturally gravitate toward an empty outdoor amphitheater. After a...
- 3/11/2024
- by Stephen Saito
- Variety Film + TV
Documentary Grand Theft Hamlet may have been born out of the ennui bred by Covid lockdown in 2021, but it’s anything but boring.
Innovative, highly amusing and often touching, this collaborative project, competing in the documentary feature strand at SXSW, takes place entirely within the open game world of Grant Theft Auto Online. In this sprawling virtual space, temporarily out-of-work U.K.-based actors Sam Crane (who has played Harry Potter in the London production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) and his friend Mark Oosterveen decide to mount a production of Hamlet, a first for both the theater and gaming worlds.
Luckily, Crane’s partner Pinny Grylls is also a filmmaker. She takes on the directing and editing, using the cellphone cameras avatars can use in the game to film from other angles and provide close-ups. The couple juggle caring for their small children with putting on the...
Innovative, highly amusing and often touching, this collaborative project, competing in the documentary feature strand at SXSW, takes place entirely within the open game world of Grant Theft Auto Online. In this sprawling virtual space, temporarily out-of-work U.K.-based actors Sam Crane (who has played Harry Potter in the London production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) and his friend Mark Oosterveen decide to mount a production of Hamlet, a first for both the theater and gaming worlds.
Luckily, Crane’s partner Pinny Grylls is also a filmmaker. She takes on the directing and editing, using the cellphone cameras avatars can use in the game to film from other angles and provide close-ups. The couple juggle caring for their small children with putting on the...
- 3/10/2024
- by Leslie Felperin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This article appears in the SXSW 2024 issue of Den of Geek magazine. Check out all of our SXSW coverage here.
Grand Theft Hamlet is about as absurd a mash-up as its title would have you believe. It’s a documentary about Sam Crane and Mark Oosterveen, two actors left jobless at the height of the pandemic who decide to put on a live-streamed production of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet in Grand Theft Auto Online.
Partway through the film, which was shot entirely in-game, as Sam is rehearsing the play’s famous “To be or not to be” speech on the beaches of Los Santos, a masked player walks up and calls him a bitch over chat, utterly unmoved by the iconic soliloquy. Other rehearsals are interrupted by helicopters and shootouts, all fitting encapsulations of the stark juxtaposition at the heart of the documentary. But GTA and Shakespeare may not be...
Grand Theft Hamlet is about as absurd a mash-up as its title would have you believe. It’s a documentary about Sam Crane and Mark Oosterveen, two actors left jobless at the height of the pandemic who decide to put on a live-streamed production of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet in Grand Theft Auto Online.
Partway through the film, which was shot entirely in-game, as Sam is rehearsing the play’s famous “To be or not to be” speech on the beaches of Los Santos, a masked player walks up and calls him a bitch over chat, utterly unmoved by the iconic soliloquy. Other rehearsals are interrupted by helicopters and shootouts, all fitting encapsulations of the stark juxtaposition at the heart of the documentary. But GTA and Shakespeare may not be...
- 3/10/2024
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Exclusive: Altitude Media Group has boarded a documentary shot entirely inside the Grand Theft Auto video game world.
Grand Theft Hamlet will follow the story of out-of-work theater actors Sam Crane and Mark Oosterveen, who had the idea to stage a full production of Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ within Grand Theft Auto 5 during the dull days of the third Covid-19 lockdown in the UK three years ago.
Indie studio Altitude has taken worldwide rights after striking a deal for the “hilarious and profoundly moving” film, which Crane and Pinny Grylls wrote and directed. The doc gets its worldwide premiere at SXSW on Sunday (March 10) and will get a European premiere at Cph:dox.
“We are extremely proud and excited to be partnering with Pinny, Sam and the whole team on Grand Theft Hamlet and cannot wait for audiences to experience this singular and masterful piece of machinima filmmaking,” said Altitude Film Sales Managing Director Mike Runagall.
Grand Theft Hamlet will follow the story of out-of-work theater actors Sam Crane and Mark Oosterveen, who had the idea to stage a full production of Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ within Grand Theft Auto 5 during the dull days of the third Covid-19 lockdown in the UK three years ago.
Indie studio Altitude has taken worldwide rights after striking a deal for the “hilarious and profoundly moving” film, which Crane and Pinny Grylls wrote and directed. The doc gets its worldwide premiere at SXSW on Sunday (March 10) and will get a European premiere at Cph:dox.
“We are extremely proud and excited to be partnering with Pinny, Sam and the whole team on Grand Theft Hamlet and cannot wait for audiences to experience this singular and masterful piece of machinima filmmaking,” said Altitude Film Sales Managing Director Mike Runagall.
- 3/8/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
On Sunday, October 8, 2023, at 9:00 Pm, PBS presents another gripping episode of “Unforgotten on Masterpiece” with Season 5, Episode 6.
In this episode, viewers will follow Sunny and Jess as they continue their relentless pursuit of the truth. As they unravel secrets and piece together clues, the case they are working on takes center stage. The mystery deepens, and the tension rises as they strive to uncover the hidden details that will bring closure to the case.
“Unforgotten on Masterpiece” is known for its engaging storytelling and compelling characters. Fans of the series can expect another thrilling installment that will keep them on the edge of their seats. The show’s dedication to unravelling mysteries and exposing hidden truths is sure to captivate audiences once again.
Don’t miss this exciting episode of “Unforgotten on Masterpiece” as Sunny and Jess work tirelessly to solve the case. Tune in at 9:00 Pm on...
In this episode, viewers will follow Sunny and Jess as they continue their relentless pursuit of the truth. As they unravel secrets and piece together clues, the case they are working on takes center stage. The mystery deepens, and the tension rises as they strive to uncover the hidden details that will bring closure to the case.
“Unforgotten on Masterpiece” is known for its engaging storytelling and compelling characters. Fans of the series can expect another thrilling installment that will keep them on the edge of their seats. The show’s dedication to unravelling mysteries and exposing hidden truths is sure to captivate audiences once again.
Don’t miss this exciting episode of “Unforgotten on Masterpiece” as Sunny and Jess work tirelessly to solve the case. Tune in at 9:00 Pm on...
- 10/1/2023
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
On Sunday, October 1, 2023, at 9:00 Pm, PBS will air Season 5, Episode 5 of “Unforgotten on Masterpiece.” In this episode, the characters Sunny and Jess find themselves dealing with challenges in their personal lives. Despite these difficulties, they attempt to reset and move forward.
“Unforgotten on Masterpiece” is a crime drama series known for its intricate plots and character-driven narratives. The show follows Detective Sunny Khan as he investigates cold cases, unraveling long-buried secrets and mysteries.
In this particular episode, viewers can anticipate the continuation of the characters’ personal journeys and how they navigate the obstacles they face. While the description is brief, it hints at the complex and layered storytelling that “Unforgotten” is known for.
For those who appreciate crime dramas that delve into both the mysteries of the past and the complexities of human relationships, “Unforgotten on Masterpiece” offers a compelling viewing experience.
Make sure to tune in on Sunday...
“Unforgotten on Masterpiece” is a crime drama series known for its intricate plots and character-driven narratives. The show follows Detective Sunny Khan as he investigates cold cases, unraveling long-buried secrets and mysteries.
In this particular episode, viewers can anticipate the continuation of the characters’ personal journeys and how they navigate the obstacles they face. While the description is brief, it hints at the complex and layered storytelling that “Unforgotten” is known for.
For those who appreciate crime dramas that delve into both the mysteries of the past and the complexities of human relationships, “Unforgotten on Masterpiece” offers a compelling viewing experience.
Make sure to tune in on Sunday...
- 9/25/2023
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
Like offbeat, quirky black comedies from Britain? You’re going to want to check out The Drummond Will…but read our review here first!
After their estranged father dies, brothers Marcus (Mark Oosterveen) and Danny (Phillip James) have to return to the small village they grew up in to attend the funeral and deal with his estate. However, proving less simple than they had initially expected, they soon discover that an old friend of their father has broken into the family home and proceeded to hide in a cupboard with a stash of money! The brothers decide to keep the old man captive whilst they conclude how best to handle the situation, but inadvertently kill him… Leading to a series of bizarre incidents as they attempt to cover up their misdeed, Marcus and Danny soon find that they are slowly but surely decreasing the population in the small community…
With...
After their estranged father dies, brothers Marcus (Mark Oosterveen) and Danny (Phillip James) have to return to the small village they grew up in to attend the funeral and deal with his estate. However, proving less simple than they had initially expected, they soon discover that an old friend of their father has broken into the family home and proceeded to hide in a cupboard with a stash of money! The brothers decide to keep the old man captive whilst they conclude how best to handle the situation, but inadvertently kill him… Leading to a series of bizarre incidents as they attempt to cover up their misdeed, Marcus and Danny soon find that they are slowly but surely decreasing the population in the small community…
With...
- 8/9/2011
- by Stuart Cummins
- Obsessed with Film
The Drummond Will
Stars: Mark Oosterveen, Phillip James, Jeremy Drakes | Written by Alan Butterworth, Sam Forster | Directed by Alan Butterworth
Alan Butterworth’s story, shot in black and white, harks back to the classic Ealing comedies. It borders on farce, and is a particularly dark comedy. The closest comparison would be to a Coen brothers film, as the plot slowly develops, it gets more and more ridiculous until it all blows up in the end.
The story follows two estranged brothers, who are reunited after the death of their father. When the two brothers discover an old man in their father’s cupboard holding what seems to be a couple of hundred thousand pounds in a bag, they accidentally kill him and must decide what to do with the money and the body. The village then gradually dwindles in population as people get killed left, right and centre.
The Drummond Will...
Stars: Mark Oosterveen, Phillip James, Jeremy Drakes | Written by Alan Butterworth, Sam Forster | Directed by Alan Butterworth
Alan Butterworth’s story, shot in black and white, harks back to the classic Ealing comedies. It borders on farce, and is a particularly dark comedy. The closest comparison would be to a Coen brothers film, as the plot slowly develops, it gets more and more ridiculous until it all blows up in the end.
The story follows two estranged brothers, who are reunited after the death of their father. When the two brothers discover an old man in their father’s cupboard holding what seems to be a couple of hundred thousand pounds in a bag, they accidentally kill him and must decide what to do with the money and the body. The village then gradually dwindles in population as people get killed left, right and centre.
The Drummond Will...
- 8/8/2011
- by Phil
- Nerdly
CrabTree Films (who have just announced a UK release date for Jesse Eisenberg’s next film – ‘Holy Rollers’) have been kind enough to give us two new clips from their new movie, The Drummond Will, a new British black comedy.
It’s directed by Alan Butterworth and stars Mark Oosterveen, Phillip James, Jeremy Drakes, Jonathan Hansler, Victoria Jeffrey, Nigel Osner, Eryl Lloyd Parry, Keith Parry, Morrison Thomas with a script from Sam Forster and Alan Butterworth.
Synopsis: Howard Drummond has passed away. On checking out his decrepit estate, his sons, Marcus and Danny find one of their dad’s ancient friends hiding in a closet with a bag full of money.
Whilst they decide what to do, the pensioner is left to suffocate to death in the closet, thus leaving them with a much bigger problem to deal with; tell the police, or take the body and leave it in...
It’s directed by Alan Butterworth and stars Mark Oosterveen, Phillip James, Jeremy Drakes, Jonathan Hansler, Victoria Jeffrey, Nigel Osner, Eryl Lloyd Parry, Keith Parry, Morrison Thomas with a script from Sam Forster and Alan Butterworth.
Synopsis: Howard Drummond has passed away. On checking out his decrepit estate, his sons, Marcus and Danny find one of their dad’s ancient friends hiding in a closet with a bag full of money.
Whilst they decide what to do, the pensioner is left to suffocate to death in the closet, thus leaving them with a much bigger problem to deal with; tell the police, or take the body and leave it in...
- 2/11/2011
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
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